Central Hotel in Norwich reopens after year closed

The Central Hotel, which dates back to the 1890s, opened its doors to customers on Monday after being closed for a year. 

And, according to hotel manager Emma, it is already proving a hit and is booking up quickly.

She said: "We have already had several people booking in. 

Central Hotel has reopened in Riverside Road (Image: Denise Bradley)

"On Tuesday we only had four rooms left of the 16 we offer.

"We really benefit from being so close to the station, the historic sites and the city centre.

"We have been really busy with walk-ins and we are waiting to be listed on online hotel sites."

Several of the bedrooms have been refurbished (Image: Denise Bradley)

Emma and her team are working to renovate all 16 rooms, with the dining room, reception area and several bedrooms already having a spruce up.

"Each room is individual and has its own personality," she said. 

"It is a different experience to staying in a chain, where every room is the same and doesn't feel very special."

Breakfast will soon be served in the dining room (Image: Denise Bradley)

The hotel will also soon start serving breakfasts.

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Despite the historic building hitting the market with Arnold Keys earlier this year, Emma confirmed that the hotel was still under the same ownership as it has been since the 1980s.

The property was listed at £650,000 and appeared to go under offer - but no new owners have taken charge.

Each of the bedrooms has a different style (Image: Denise Bradley)

In 2022, plans were submitted by applicant Mr Gooch to Norwich City Council to transform the bed and breakfast into four flats, with an additional three-bed home built to the rear of the property.

However, City Hall refused the plans in July, and the hotel has been reopened.